Engine advice before roadtrip to Europe

[Mooney]

Hi, I'm planning on going on a trip around Europe this summer probably aiming to do 10-20k miles. I've pretty much replaced every part of the van aside from the automatic transmission and 1.9 early wbx. When I bought it it was sitting for about 8 years, seems to be fine to drive but no idea how to judge the life left on it.

Is it worth looking into a replacement engine or getting a proper service?

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[King Kenny]

"Is it worth looking into a replacement engine or getting a proper service?"


Can't say which is best, only you can judge that. Certainly a proper service will help but do it way before you go. Whenever I have experienced problems with engines it has always been shortly after it had been serviced. I guess you can't go far in Jersey to give it a real good try-out.
P.S. I can see Mont Orgueil from the top of our road.

[Mooney]

Yeah the issue is that I'll only be in the UK 2 weeks to get a specialist mechanic so I'm debating booking it or not, unless theres someone you can recommend on island? Hard to even see how it handles at speed here!

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[sarran1955]

Hello,

For what it is worth:

I am also getting ready for much longer trips around Europe...

My strategy is to have the vehicle in good condition, carry spares that can be fitted by a garage without waiting for parts..

CV joints, ignition, bearings, brake pads, starter, control cables, etc..

and have ready for dispatch a 'turn key' engine and gearbox....CT+ air-cooled...

So that in the 'worst case scenario' you just wait for the carrier to do his stuff..

I have done many kilometers in Europe, and my advice before making a trip of more than 3 weeks in a new van.....

go for one week in France, tour round, but with the intention of returning to base...

This way you wil find and fix all the things that will bug you, not just mechanically, but layout, packing and living in a VW..

Hope this helps..

Cordialement,